Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale – Is There a Difference? | Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (2024)

The thought of ginger ale takes many of us back to the days when we’d be told that the tried-and-tested cure for a stomach ache is simple; a glass of ginger ale. Skip a decade or two, and you’re at the supermarket buying ingredients to whip up a batch of Moscow Mules. You’re faced with two sodas that both have the word ginger in their name, and you think surely there’s not much of a difference between the two… Or is there? Overthink it no more, and allow us to explain what sets ginger beer apart from ginger ale.

What’s the difference?

Taste test the two side-by-side, and you’ll immediately notice the difference. Ginger beer has a far stronger flavor than ginger ale. While we can’t speak for all Ginger Beers, a true Ginger Beer is brewed (just like a beer) using real ginger. Bundaberg Ginger Beer is traditionally brewed over 3 days using real ginger, whereas ginger ale is often a version of carbonated water that’s flavored with ginger syrup. Brewing is what gives a great Ginger Beer that zingy, ‘smack in the face’ kind of flavor, in comparison to its somewhat tame friend, ginger ale.

Why do we brew?

Whether it be a ‘slow brew’, ‘cold brew’, or ‘craft brew’, brewed is one of those words we seem to be hearing more and more often. We know it’s good because brands won’t stop talking about it, but what does it actually mean? Well, at Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, we live up to our name – that’s for sure. Each one of our drinks is brewed for as long as it takes to extract maximum flavor from the real ingredients we use. The key is that we use real ingredients and follow a similar brewing process to alcoholic beer. As a result, our Ginger Beer has a strong ginger flavor that can’t be replicated.

How does brewing make ginger beer better?

Using locally grown Queensland ginger and sugar cane, we brew every batch over three days. We don’t take shortcuts or change the process because that’s how long it takes to give our Ginger Beer that spicy, gingery kick we’re world famous for.

By never compromising on ingredients or our brewing process, Bundaberg Ginger Beer sure stands out from the crowd. Packed with flavor, it’s good enough to be enjoyed on its own, or mixed to make a variety of different co*cktails. But let’s set one thing straight – the key ingredient to a great Moscow Mule is a good ginger beer, not ginger ale!

Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale – Is There a Difference? | Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (7)

Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale – Is There a Difference? | Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (8)

Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale – Is There a Difference? | Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (9)

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  • Lorien DahlJuly 22, 2018, 2:34 amThank you for making the best ginger beer on the planet!

    Reply >

  • Donna M. JacksonAugust 9, 2018, 12:30 amMy Judo instructor taught me as a child (in the 1950’s) that a belch is a compliment to a good meal. Well, Bundaberg Ginger Beer can do that quite a bit to me. I really enjoy the strong taste and its effects. You Australians do it right.

    Reply >

  • Brent suprainJanuary 16, 2019, 6:51 amYou guys make the best non alcoholic ginger beer on the market, But why don't you make alcoholic ginger beer as well..??

    Reply >

  • David walkerJune 5, 2020, 6:43 pmThank youLove your ginger beer Is there a sugar free verdin

    Reply >

  • JimJuly 4, 2020, 4:38 pmThank You for the information

    Reply >

  • Ray SoperApril 5, 2021, 12:10 pmI was just introduced to your ginger beer and I love it. I was hooked until I read the amount of sugar. Yikes. I still will drink it, but maybe not daily.

    Reply >

Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale – Is There a Difference? | Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (2024)

FAQs

Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale – Is There a Difference? | Bundaberg Brewed Drinks? ›

Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Australia's favourite Ginger Beer is Bundaberg Ginger Beer. The iconic taste starts with homegrown Aussie ginger. Our Master Brewers then brew over 3 days to our traditional family recipe, the same we've used for four generations. Hold a bottle up to the light and you'll see real ginger pieces suspended throughout.
https://www.bundaberg.com › brew › ginger-beer
is traditionally brewed over 3 days using real ginger, whereas ginger ale is often a version of carbonated water that's flavored with ginger syrup. Brewing is what gives a great Ginger Beer that zingy, 'smack in the face' kind of flavor, in comparison to its somewhat tame friend, ginger ale.

Is there a difference in ginger ale and ginger beer? ›

The Bottom Line: Ginger Ale vs Ginger Beer, What's the Difference? While these two drinks were once identical, ginger ale is typically sweeter, non-alcoholic, and made using artificial carbonation. Ginger beer tends to be spicier and is carbonated via fermentation.

Does ginger beer have real ginger in it? ›

Ginger beer is spicier and has a more pronounced ginger flavor compared to ginger ale. This is because ginger beer is brewed with real ginger root, whereas ginger ale is usually made with ginger flavoring or extract.

Is ginger beer brewed? ›

Original ginger beer is brewed by leaving water, sugar, ginger, optional ingredients such as lemon juice and cream of tartar, and GBP to ferment for several days, converting some of the sugar into alcohol. GBP may be obtained from several commercial sources.

Is Moscow Mule with ginger beer or ginger ale? ›

Directions. Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in lime juice, then vodka, then ginger beer. Garnish with lime slices.

Does Canada Dry have real ginger? ›

Does Canada dry contain ginger? CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND LESS THAN 2% OF: GINGER EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVORS, GREEN TEA, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (TO PROTECT FLAVOR).

Which is healthier, ginger beer or ginger ale? ›

Ginger beer and ginger ale do not differ greatly in terms of nutritional values. Ginger ale is the lighter option, with 125.1 calories and 32.3 grams of sugar per can (12 fl oz). Ginger beer is a bit heavier but nevertheless very close to ginger ale, with 140 calories and 35 grams of sugar per can or bottle (12 fl oz).

Does ginger beer affect blood pressure? ›

Research also suggests ingesting forms of ginger--like ginger beer--helps improve circulation by reducing inflammation. This is especially good news for fans of ginger beer who want to reduce high blood pressure as a supplement to medication!

What brand of ginger ale has real ginger in it? ›

Drink Reed's - Real Ginger Ale & Real Ginger Beer.

Is ginger beer good for your gut health? ›

According to studies conducted by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, ginger beer enhances digestion and helps food move smoothly through the stomach. Stomach discomforts and nausea are strongly correlated with one another.

Why is ginger beer so expensive? ›

It is expensive to do it, and ginger juice makes such a big component that to make it it's our highest cost per production beer that we make.

What ginger beer is best for a Moscow Mule? ›

1. Bundaberg Ginger Beer: The Aussie original, this brand has become more and more ubiquitous in recent years as the go-to option in most bars when you order a Moscow Mule. Made with cane sugar and Australian ginger, Bundaberg can attribute much of its popularity to the fact that its taste is extremely balance.

Which ginger beer has the most ginger in it? ›

Made with twice as much ginger as its original recipe, Extra Ginger Brew has the right balance of heat and sweet. For the die-hard ginger fan, Reed's also makes a “Strongest” version with three times the ginger.

What drink is similar to ginger beer? ›

In a pinch, ginger ale will work as a substitute for ginger beer in a Moscow mule, however the citrusy, zingy flavor that the ginger beer normally brings will be a lot more muted. Ginger ale will make your Moscow mule a lot more sweet and bubbly.

What is a ginger lime mule? ›

The Best Moscow Mule Recipe features spicy ginger beer, fresh lime juice, vodka, and a ginger lime simple syrup! On a hot Summer day, this refreshing co*cktail really hits the spot! For an extra pretty presentation, serve in a copper mug with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge or spiral!

Can you substitute ginger beer for ginger ale? ›

Some drinks rely on the deeper flavors of ginger beer to stand up to other ingredients, but you can really use it interchangeably with ginger ale — as long as you know that ginger beer is more intense in flavor than ginger ale.

Can you drink ginger beer straight? ›

Packed with flavor, it's good enough to be enjoyed on its own, or mixed to make a variety of different co*cktails. But let's set one thing straight – the key ingredient to a great Moscow Mule is a good ginger beer, not ginger ale!

Does ginger beer help your stomach? ›

Ginger root, a plant indigenous to southern China, contains hundreds of compounds that provide several important benefits to those who ingest it. Drinking ginger beer can help reduce inflammation, promote digestion, relieve nausea, and even help in the prevention of cancer.

Does Fever Tree ginger ale have real ginger? ›

Naturally sourced ingredients. No artificial sweeteners or colors. Crafted by brewing our signature blend of three gingers from the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cochin, India.

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